Footman James Policy Change

[Yatz]

I have just received a letter from FJ saying that they can no longer insure my TVR Chimaera as it is parked in a public place. Due to some problems with their underwriter they are changing their policy regarding vehicles that are not garaged or kept in "secure" environments. I am sure that there are one or two out there who have been similarly affected and so my question is, who provides the best (cheapest) insurance for such a car in such circumstances. I have a small list of companies from when I first purchased the vehicle but I would be interested to hear of people's experiences and recommendations. Thanks.

[Yogioes]

My Footman James renewal invitation just came in.
Up from £230 last year to £495.
Nothing has changed.
I called to query and was told something about their underwriter increasing premiums for cars over 21 years old. Handy as mine is 22.
I’ve gone with Classicline for £290.

Looks like FJ don’t want us.

[Yatz]

It looks to me, reading between the lines, as it were, that FJ are experiencing "financial difficulties". Classicline are definitely one of those on my list so I shall give them a call. Thanks.

[porterpainter]

FJ are a broker. They will receive prices for cover from their panel of insurers. If the insurers change their appetite (of what they want to insure) then not much FJ can do about it unfortunately.

[s6boy]

I've been with Classicline for years now, they're easy to deal with and an agreed valuation comes as part of the package. Would recommend.

[Jordie Barretts sock]

I moved from FJ to Hagerty because their premium went up. That was a couple of years ago now.

Hagerty do agreed value as part of their premium too. I've got a 'fleet' policy with them for three cars.

[jimed]

I was with Hagerty many years ago and they were very good but they stopped insuring later TVRs such as Chims etc.
As the last poster has more than one car insured with them I assume non are later TVRs or have they changed their stance on that?

[Jordie Barretts sock]

Yes, I have a 98 450 Chimaera with them. I added my wife's 2008 MX5 this year too.

[CharliesTTS]

FJ were pretty much the only company interested in my Chimaera - policy in mid June - due to the extensive work/upgrades and fairly high agreed value (TVRCC)

[Blunders]

Just spoken to FJ, as my Chimaera is kept opposite my house in a close, it’s on a public road and they won’t insure it. Been with them for years, bloody annoying. Have to find somewhere else!
FJ have had a change in policy it seems. I’m in such a quiet spot 😤

[Byker28i]

Classic line do an agreed vlue using the clubs valuation, renewed every two years

[frontfloater]

Footman James tried to increase my premium for a Mercedes SLK-350 by about 30% this year, for no apparent reason - no claims, changes etc. When I queried it, they claimed that "It's just rising costs" and would not budge. The underwriter would have been Ageas.

I then contacted ClassicLine, who quoted only £10 more than they had last year, with a lower excess than FJ, and VIA THE SAME UNDERWRITER, Ageas - so there had clearly been NO general increase in costs, and FJ were just trying it on. The difference in quotes was about £200.

ClassicLine were able to offer an agreed value with no requirement to get a club valuation etc - I just had to complete a form and take photos of all 4 sides, boot & engine bay. That was on a value of £12,000 ; I don't know if they have different requirements for a higher value.

[BarnFind]

Interesting Classic Line insure all my cars,bought another Saab 9000 aero and went to swap from one to another,same same,expected 5 mins on phone 2 hours later they made me cancel my old policy at 450 and went to 1770,me a 61 old fart no claims history...ened up paying 330 extra till sept when i obviously will have a fight on my hands then..

[KKson]

Just had my renewal for my 450 SEAC, through Adrian Flux. Cover is 5,000 miles, including commuting to the office and agreed value. Cost went up a very reasonable £9, to £113. I think last year it went up £4.

[BarnFind]

Interesting AF insured my Saab,s back in the 90's when they were new

[Digger13]

Yep, exact same here can no longer insure my Volvo 850 or my T25
Customer for 10 years with three vehicles insured with them

[addz86]

My Tamora was insured with FJ last year for £295, renewal came through this year at £985 despite no changes, managed to “get it down” to £580 after going through it all again so ended up going with Admiral for a more reasonable £350

[duff-man]

Just got my renewal from FJ for a T350 with limited 2k miles, £745 from £320 last year. Will be looking elsewhere!

[bad company]

I paid £309 to insure my Chim 500 with an agreed valuation of £25K. Seems fair to me.

[robsco]

frontfloater said:

Footman James tried to increase my premium for a Mercedes SLK-350 by about 30% this year, for no apparent reason - no claims, changes etc. When I queried it, they claimed that "It's just rising costs" and would not budge. The underwriter would have been Ageas.

I then contacted ClassicLine, who quoted only £10 more than they had last year, with a lower excess than FJ, and VIA THE SAME UNDERWRITER, Ageas - so there had clearly been NO general increase in costs, and FJ were just trying it on. The difference in quotes was about £200.

ClassicLine were able to offer an agreed value with no requirement to get a club valuation etc - I just had to complete a form and take photos of all 4 sides, boot & engine bay. That was on a value of £12,000 ; I don't know if they have different requirements for a higher value.

I had an absolutely identical experience, but the other way around. Classicline double the price of FJ using the same underwriter, despite the fact I’d been with them for years. Ultimately it’s a lottery and there is zero reward for loyalty in the insurance industry, in fact quite the opposite!